The impact of a kes Bath education
This year's GCSE results were exceptional, with 41% of all grades awarded at Grade 9 and 84% at Grades 9-7. But beyond these outstanding headline figures lies another measure of success, one which reflects the significant value added to our pupils during their journey through the School.
When our pupils join KES in Year 7, they complete nationally standardised baseline assessments. Independent value-added analysis by Cambridge Insight then compares those starting points with the GCSE grades achieved five years later.
For this year's cohort, that analysis reveals that our pupils achieved, on average, around a full GCSE grade more per subject than would have been expected from their starting points. To put this in context, this could be the difference between achieving a grade 8 rather than a grade 7 in every subject.
Nor is this a one off, with KES pupils achieving an average value-added uplift of almost a whole grade over the last five years.
Mr Smith, Deputy Head, Academic, notes:
"We are always striving to help our pupils do their best. We want them to be happy in school and interested in the subjects they do. Helping all pupils to thrive and succeed requires us to know them well and help nurture their talents. We appreciate that achievement is far more than cold statistics might show; however, the value-added data does help us measure how far we are making a difference."
"This year's analysis suggests that our pupils achieved around a full GCSE grade more per subject than their starting points indicated. That additional progress reflects the impact of a KES education: excellent teaching, individual support, high expectations and, importantly, a culture in which pupils inspire and challenge one another to achieve their best.
"Whether they join us from our own Junior School or from other schools across the region, our pupils bring tremendous potential. Our role is to help them develop that potential as fully as possible. It is therefore particularly encouraging to see independent evidence that, over time, our pupils are achieving significantly more than would have been predicted when they first joined us."
While outstanding GCSE grades tell us what our pupils achieved, value-added data helps us understand the progress they made along the way.
For current parents, this provides independent reassurance that their children are being challenged, supported and inspired to achieve more than they may have thought possible. For prospective families, it shows the difference an outstanding education can make in which children enjoy their subjects and are inspired by their learning.
Outstanding attainment, Exceptional progress: The impact of a KES education.
To find out more about a KES education, register and join us at our next open event on 3 October 2026. Alternatively, we would be delighted to welcome you to school for a personalised tour. Details here.
